CM Loses to BC High at Fenway Park

There isn't much the hockey program hasn't done in its storied history. After Saturday afternoon's game, the team can cross one of those rare new experiences off its to-do list, having played archrival BC High outdoors at Fenway Park.

Though the Knights fell 4-0, the experience resonated with the players and the fans.

"We were all hyped to play here," said CM senior captain Jared Beckwith. "It obviously didn't come out in our favor, but we were all excited. It was a great day."

Early on, it looked like the game may have lived up to the hype for the Knights; CM dominated play in the scoreless first period, outshooting the Eagles 12-3. BC High alternate captain and West Roxbury resident , however, changed the game's tone 39 seconds into the second frame with his fifth goal of the season. CM head coach said the goal took the wind out of the Knights' sails.

"When they got that goal, it lifts them, and...when we fall behind, it's like, 'Not this again,'" he said.

Regan notched an assist in the third period on a Matt Sullivan goal that completed the scoring. BC High's middle two strikes came in the second period, off the sticks of Adam Foley and Chris LaLibertè. Regan said after the game that he had been anxious ahead of it, but he and his team were able to hit their stride after the first intermission.

“We were all nervous coming in because it’s a huge atmosphere,” he said. “We just bore down in the second period.” 

Hanson theorized that the outdoor conditions had a bit of an effect of the Knights' (4-4, 1-1 in the Catholic Conference) play. Yesterday, the squad practiced outdoors at Larz Anderson Park in Brookline to prepare for outdoor play.

"I said, 'Do you think it makes a difference?' and they said, 'Absolutely,'" said Hanson.

The game started a series on the Knights' schedule that will see them play seven of eight games against Catholic Conference opponents. With postseason ambitions greater than usual on Baker Street after not qualifying last season for the first time since 1984. Beckwith said the team will put the loss behind them and look ahead to what's next.

"We work hard every day, day in day out, and we'll get there," said the captain. "We'll be there.

"You just put the game behind you, just move on every day," he added. "We have practice tomorrow and a game on Monday...You learn from it and move on."

The glamour of the day at Fenway, though, is unlikely to be pushed aside by CM fans. CM students Connor Tallon, Michael Dougherty, and Ben Finn enjoyed the game from the stands. The sophomores estimated that "almost all" of the CM student body was in attendance at the game, which took to the ice ahead of a Boston College-Northeastern University tilt. They said the anticipation for the game had been heavy at the school all week -- "We were all really psyched to be here," said Tallon -- and the loss did little to soil their good time.

"It was really cool to see our friends out there," said Finn.

"We'd definitely do it again. It was a great experience," added Dougherty.